“The most valuable resource is not technology, nor even investment – it is the people.” This was stated by Irina Shtonova, Minister of Economy and Industry, at the ceremony for the presentation of the annual awards of the Bulgarian Association for People Management for 2025. She emphasised that the ability of the state and businesses to attract, develop, and retain talent is a determining factor for sustainable economic growth and for the country’s position in the global economy.
Minister Shtonova also highlighted the need to accelerate investment in skills and qualifications. According to her, around 20 per cent of the adult population in Bulgaria participates in training, compared to an average of approximately 50 per cent for the European Union, indicating significant potential for development.
In this context, she announced that the Ministry of Economy and Industry will continue to support policies and partnerships aimed at developing human capital and enhancing the competitiveness of the workforce in Bulgaria.
During the ceremony, the Minister presented the award in the category “Best HR Project of a Large Company” to SOF Connect AD, congratulating the winner and underlining the importance of high value-added projects in the development of human resources.
The annual HR awards of the Bulgarian Association for People Management have been held for more than 20 years and promote leading practices in human resource management in Bulgaria. The event brought together representatives of business, public institutions, and the HR community, providing an opportunity for the exchange of experience and the encouragement of innovative solutions in the development of human capital.